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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
I went into this story relatively blind (it was picked by my book club for this month!) knowing only that Dolly Parton co-wrote the story.
I have a couple of thoughts, now that I’ve finished. First, this was labeled as a mystery. I wouldn’t agree with that. I would say it’s more literary fiction than mystery, although there is a small mystery component. The mystery of the story wasn’t really focused on until maybe the last half of the book? Even then, as you read the book, it never felt like the forefront of the story. And I’m terms of mysteries, this one was pretty weak.
That being said, most people who pick this story up are not reading it for the mystery, they are reading it for Dolly! And in that case, I feel like reading it you could see how Dolly was written into both Ruthanna and AnnieLee. The book was captivating enough, the characters were well written, but in terms of a general focus, it felt like it was lacking, and it definitely wasn’t a mystery.
I have a couple of thoughts, now that I’ve finished. First, this was labeled as a mystery. I wouldn’t agree with that. I would say it’s more literary fiction than mystery, although there is a small mystery component. The mystery of the story wasn’t really focused on until maybe the last half of the book? Even then, as you read the book, it never felt like the forefront of the story. And I’m terms of mysteries, this one was pretty weak.
That being said, most people who pick this story up are not reading it for the mystery, they are reading it for Dolly! And in that case, I feel like reading it you could see how Dolly was written into both Ruthanna and AnnieLee. The book was captivating enough, the characters were well written, but in terms of a general focus, it felt like it was lacking, and it definitely wasn’t a mystery.
I'm sad to say I didn't like this book at all. There were too many things that just didn't make sense, including Rose/Annie Lee attempting to become famous while being on the run. Also after we finally learn what she was running from, it didn't seem all that believable the effort that was put forth to traumatize her. Especially the first hotel scene.... They just beat her and left her there? If she was in this endangered situation, a little honestly with people who wanted to help her would have solved a lot of this. The music industry/media stuff was interesting to learn. Also why do all the women have two names as a first name?
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
I "read" it as an audiobook and listened to the whole thing in one sitting. Not sure if that changes things for readers, but it doesn't usually for me. It was narrated by Dolly Parton herself, Kelsei Ballerini and James Foughy and IT WAS PERFECT.
I can't tell you the last time I read a Patterson novel. I imagine writing about a bunch of country artists trying to make a living in Nashville while having tumultuous pasts isn't exactly his speed. He and Dolly did a great job collaborating on this.
Would and will recommend this to anyone would will listen to me.
I "read" it as an audiobook and listened to the whole thing in one sitting. Not sure if that changes things for readers, but it doesn't usually for me. It was narrated by Dolly Parton herself, Kelsei Ballerini and James Foughy and IT WAS PERFECT.
I can't tell you the last time I read a Patterson novel. I imagine writing about a bunch of country artists trying to make a living in Nashville while having tumultuous pasts isn't exactly his speed. He and Dolly did a great job collaborating on this.
Would and will recommend this to anyone would will listen to me.
This book had me glued from the beginning. Loved how mystery was brought into the book, but was intertwined with a love story
This book was excellent. (And had no wait time on Libby.) It stars a firecracker of a woman who knows what she wants and will do anything to get there. It takes most of the book before you figure out what she’s hiding about her past. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Great narration, including some by Dolly Parton herself. Really fun story, although the big “reveal” was not great (understatement).
I love Dolly Parton, and enjoy Country music. I’ve recently finished watching all of the Nashville episodes and loved them all, so was looking forward to reading this. I was so disappointed though! It just ambled along at a snail’s pace; there were some action scenes of course, and the action picked up towards the end, but overall the book was far too slow for me. I could ‘hear’ Dolly Parton in the character of Ruthanna, which was a nice touch, but wasn’t enough to swing my vote. Really not my cup of tea.
I’m not a thriller reader.
But I was in it for Dolly Parton.
I will not read a James Patterson again, sorry James.
It was… okay?
I felt like a lot more could have been wrapped up and done better.
I would have not finished this if it wasn’t for Dolly being featured in the audio book.
But I was in it for Dolly Parton.
I will not read a James Patterson again, sorry James.
It was… okay?
I felt like a lot more could have been wrapped up and done better.
I would have not finished this if it wasn’t for Dolly being featured in the audio book.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Sexual harassment